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10 Reasons to Make Your Child’s Costume This Halloween

When I was a kid, Halloween was, hands down, one of the best nights of the year. Even as a young adult, I enjoyed celebrating it, and now that I'm a parent, I love taking part in festivities.

A large part of Halloween fun is figuring out what sort of costume to wear, and though there are countless options out there, from the extravagant to the simple, I'd like to offer some reasons for parents to take the time to make the costumes at home.

Now time, as well as the wherewithal to sit down and not only think about what sort of costume to make, but to actually make it, are both considerations. We lead busy lives, and it's understandable to want to simply purchase a pre-made costume and be done with it.

However, there are without question good reasons in support of a homemade costume, and though it's a little more work, you simply cannot put a price on the experience you'll have with your kids.

1. A Wonderful Bonding Experience

Planning, making, and wearing a costume is a great way for parents to share in the joy and excitement of Halloween with their kids who, one day soon, won't be asking for your input.

2. Teaches Important Life Lessons

Completing any project requires some level of hard work, planning, and cooperation as parents and kids work together towards a common goal, with the added benefit of having fun.

3. Creates Special Memories

Let's face it, when you look back at pictures of your kids, there is often a good story associated with the projects you made together, as opposed to something you bought at a chain store.

4. Makes Them Feel Proud and Important

When your kids actively take part in something, it gives them a feeling of accomplishment and sends the message that their opinions and involvement really matter.

5. Allows Them to Use Their Imaginations

Thinking up and making a costume is a great way for kids to be imaginative. Even when it involves copying a popular image, the process requires that they be creative and resourceful.

6. Saves Money

In most instances, making a costume will cost less than buying one at the store, especially if you reuse old materials around the house. Even if it costs the same or more, the experience is priceless.

7. Encourages Them to Be Unique

Let's face it, the sky's the limit when it comes to thinking up a costume, and kids have the freedom and creative license to be whatever they want to be - a good life lesson.

8. Makes Parents Feel Proud

As is often the case, kids will need a little help from mom or dad, and what parent wouldn't be proud to see their child wearing a costume that they helped to make?

9. You Can Be as Spontaneous as You'd Like

Proper planning is a plus, but some of the best costumes are made at the last minute with whatever materials you can find, and make for a great story.

10. It's Less Commercial

Store-bought costumes are often influenced by TV and advertising. Even your child wants to make a costume based on a popular character, the act of making it allows for interpretation of the subject rather than simply opening a package and being told what to be.

Let's face it, our kids grow up way too fast, and parents should take advantage of opportunities to spend quality time with them and create memories that will last a lifetime. At Halloween, we get to play make-believe, wear fun costumes, eat lots of sweets, and stay out late with friends.

From all of us at Parenting Squad, we wish you a fun, happy, and safe Halloween.